John Kuntz, The Plain DealerThe terrain parks at Northeast Ohio's Brandywine and Boston Mills ski areas will get a facelift this season.

High-flying, snow-loving tricksters will jump for joy at this news: Area ski resorts are investing millions to enhance their terrain parks, increasing the playground space and adding new obstacles and attractions.

The investment comes despite last year's dismal season -- ski resorts nationwide reported a 15 percent drop in visitors from the year before, due largely to above-average temperatures and below-average snowfall.

Intimidated by terrain parks? Let the staff at Alpine Valley take the fear out of freestyle skiing and riding. New this year at Alpine: Xtreme Park lessons by veteran tricksters. Also new: additional beginner equipment in the park, including rails and boxes.

Slopes and trails:18

Lifts:15

Skiable acres:85

Longest run: 3,530 feet

Vertical drop:240 feet

Average yearly snowfall:60 inches

Terrain parks:4

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:No

On-site lodging:No

Child care:No

Weekend lift ticket*:$43 adult, $38 children 5-12

Rentals**:$30 adult, $25 children, $30 snowboard

Skiers at Brandywine can look forward to a new place to warm up and get a bite. In addition to a new cafeteria, the $5 million new base lodge also includes the resort’s rental facility, retail shop and restrooms, and offers panoramic views of the slopes. Also new at Summit County’s two sister resorts: a new handle tow at Brandywine’s Progression Park and two new groomers to keep the snow fresh.

Slopes and trails:10

Lifts:6

Skiable acres:60

Longest run: 1,320 feet

Vertical drop:300 feet

Average yearly snowfall:75 inches

Terrain park:1

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:Yes

On-site lodging:No

Child care:No

Weekend lift ticket*:$40 adult, $30 children 17 and under

Rentals**:$25 adult, $20 children 12 and under

Last year was a lousy year to go into the ski resort business, as the new owners of Clear Fork found out (the resort, closed for six years, reopened in 2011 with new owners). “Hopefully, this year Mother Nature will be a little bit easier on us,” said Kelly Donaldson, Clear Fork’s general manager. If not, Clear Fork will be better prepared, with the addition of new snowmaking equipment. The resort is also doubling the size of its tubing park, to 10 lanes, and adding cross-country skiing two mornings a week, Wednesdays and Sundays.

Slopes and trails:24

Lifts:12

Skiable acres:144

Longest run: 3,000 feet

Vertical drop:300 feet

Average yearly snowfall:36 inches

Terrain parks:4

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:No

On-site lodging:No

Child care:No

Weekend lift ticket*:$45 adult, $35 children 7-12

Rentals**:$30 adult, $25 children, $30 snowboard

Mad River, an hour northwest of Columbus, offers the highest-elevation skiing in Ohio — at 1,460 feet up. It’s owned by the same parent company as Boston Mills-Brandywine, and BMBW season-pass holders ski here for half price.

Slopes and trails:17

Lifts:7

Skiable acres:80

Longest run: 3,000 feet

Vertical drop:300 feet

Average yearly snowfall:60 inches

Terrain parks:3

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:No

On-site lodging:No

Child care:No

Weekend lift ticket*:$46 adult, $36 children 12 and under

Rentals**:$31 adult, $23 children, $31 snowboard

A series of improvements this year leads Snow Trails to claim it has the most user-friendly beginner area of any regional resort. Among the new beginner-friendly features: two Magic Carpet lifts and a double chairlift. The resort is also partnering with Rossignol at its rental center, adding new equipment to make skiing and riding easier from the start.

Slopes and trails:34

Lifts:6

Skiable acres:160

Longest run: 10,560 feet

Vertical drop:1,200 feet

Average yearly snowfall:130 inches

Terrain parks:2

Snow tubing:No

Cross country:Yes

On-site lodging:Yes

Child care:Yes

Weekend lift ticket*:$59 adult, $48 children 8-12

Rentals**:$26 adult, $18 children, $26 snowboard

Bristol Mountain, in the Finger Lakes region, offers the longest run and highest elevation in western New York. Work continues on a three-phase lodge addition, which last year saw the expansion of dining options. Back this year: popular full-moon Nordic events, on Saturdays, Dec. 29, Jan. 26 and Feb. 23.

Slopes and trails:32

Lifts:8

Skiable acres:228

Longest run: 6,575 feet

Vertical drop:952 feet

Average yearly snowfall:122 inches

Terrain parks:3

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:Yes

On-site lodging:Yes

Child care:Yes

Weekend lift ticket*:$64 adult, $55 children 7-14

Rentals**:$35 adult, $32 children, $35 snowboard

Greek Peak, south of Syracuse, N.Y., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this summer, following a major expansion over the previous several years (which included the addition of an indoor water park, spa, adventure center and more). Park officials, however, say the resort will function as usual this ski season as efforts to reorganize the debt continue.

Slopes and trails:58

Lifts:13

Skiable acres:282

Longest run: 4,400 feet

Vertical drop:750 feet

Average yearly snowfall:180 inches

Terrain parks:5

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:Yes

On-site lodging:Yes

Child care:Yes

Weekend lift ticket*:$60 adult, $46 children 6-11

Rentals**:$28 adult, $22 children, $31 snowboard

The Clubhouse Chalet is gone — replaced during the off-season by the new Holiday Valley Lodge, bigger and better than its predecessor. The new building houses the rental shop, ski school, day care center, two restaurants and two bars. In addition, look for a new boardercross course on Morningstar, new terrain park features and more automated snowmaking equipment.

Slopes and trails:52

Lifts:9

Skiable acres:140

Longest run: 4,000 feet

Vertical drop:700 feet

Average yearly snowfall:180 inches

Terrain parks:2

Snow tubing:No

Cross country:Yes

On-site lodging:No

Child care:Yes

Weekend lift ticket*:$48 adult, $38 children 6-11 (weekday rates)

Rentals**:$28 adult, $22 children, $28 snowboard

This private ski area — open to the public during the week — is adding its first high-speed chairlift, Exhibition Express, to honor the resort’s 50th anniversary. The chair replaces the old Expo quad and will ease congestion at the base of the Main Chalet.

Slopes and trails:39

Lifts:10

Skiable acres:255

Longest run: 6,000 feet

Vertical drop:550 feet

Average yearly snowfall:190 inches

Terrain parks:3

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:No

On-site lodging:No

Child care:No

Weekend lift ticket*:$56 adult, $42 children 6-13

Rentals**:$25 adult, $20 children, $30 snowboard

Terrain park tricksters will have three times the fun at Kissing Bridge, which is tripling the number of its terrain parks this year, offering one each for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. Even more fun: the new BigAirBag, a giant air-filled pillow that skiers and riders can launch themselves onto. “The top of it is very pliable,” said Andy Minier, Kissing Bridge spokesman. “When you hit it, the air pushes out, slowly collapsing around you, and you fall off to the side. It’s really hard to get hurt.”

Slopes and trails:27

Lifts:9

Skiable acres:105

Longest run: 4,100 feet

Vertical drop:400 feet

Average yearly snowfall:130 inches

Terrain parks:4

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:Yes

On-site lodging:Yes

Child care:Yes

Weekend lift ticket*:$54 adult, $41 children 6-11

Rentals**:$30 adult, $24 children, $36 snowboard

Peek’n Peak is also adding a giant inflatable jumping bag — 50 feet by 50 feet, just behind the Retreat Lodge. In addition, the resort is adding a fourth terrain park on the Greenwood Forest trail. Off the slopes, the resort, purchased last year by the family that owns Splash Lagoon in Erie, Pa., has completed the renovation of all 108 rooms at the Inn at the Peak, with new carpeting, bathrooms, furniture and more. Finally, the resort has partnered with Aveda to convert the existing spa to a Serenity Spa by Aveda.

Slopes and trails:30

Lifts:5

Skiable acres:100

Longest run: 5,280 feet

Vertical drop:650 feet

Average yearly snowfall:130 inches

Terrain parks:4

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:No

On-site lodging:No

Child care:No

Weekend lift ticket*:$45 adult, $36 children 8-12

Rentals**:$26 adult, $16 children, $26 snowboard

Work continues on the slope-side development on the west side of the mountain, which will feature ski-in, ski-out properties on an expanded trail system. In the meantime, the resort has added 60 new snow guns to assist Mother Nature this season.

Slopes and trails:34

Lifts:4

Skiable acres:89

Longest run: 10,560 feet

Vertical drop:1,072 feet

Average yearly snowfall:135 inches

Terrain park:1

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:Yes

On-site lodging:Yes

Child care:No

Weekend lift ticket*:$55 adult, $45 children 6-12

Rentals**:$30 adult, $30 children, $42 snowboard

Blue Knob, located within a state park about two hours east of Pittsburgh, is home to Pennsylvania’s longest and steepest runs. The apres-ski scene here is limited, though you may be too tired to notice. New this year: increased snowmaking to get key runs snow-covered fast.

Slopes and trails:29

Lifts:8

Skiable acres:111

Longest run: 6,000 feet

Vertical drop:470 feet

Average yearly snowfall:160 inches

Terrain parks:3

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:No

On-site lodging:Yes

Child care:Yes

Weekend lift ticket*:$55 adult, $45 children 6-17

Rentals**:$29 adult, $29 children, $35 snowboard

It’ll be easier to reach the resort’s North Summit area with the improvements to Voyager Trail, which has been widened and enhanced with lights and snowmaking. Also new: a line of high-performance skis has been added to the rental shop.

Slopes and trails:32

Lifts:14

Skiable acres:285

Longest run: 6,950 feet

Vertical drop:750 feet

Average yearly snowfall:135 inches

Terrain parks:7

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:No

On-site lodging:Yes

Child care:Yes

Weekend lift ticket*:$68 adult, $51 children 6-11

Rentals**:$40 adult, $35 children, $40 snowboard

You want terrain parks? Seven Springs has ’em, seven in all, including the newest, Riglet Park, for children ages 4-7, designed with the look of a baseball field. Adventuresome skiers and riders will also enjoy the Streets, new last year, an urban park with rails and ledges in the form of stairs, bus shelters and urban buildings; and the resort’s Olympic-sized superpipe, with 22-foot walls.

Slopes and trails:60

Lifts:12

Skiable acres:415

Longest run: 5,000 feet

Vertical drop:500 feet

Average yearly snowfall:140 inches

Terrain parks:6

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:Yes

On-site lodging:Yes

Child care:Yes

Weekend lift ticket*:$64 adult, $53 children 13-18, $46 children 9-12

Rentals**:$40 adult, $23 children, $40 snowboard

Look for new snowmaking, lighting and chairlift capacity on the slopes of Boyne Mountain, plus a new terrain park for snowboarders ages 3-6. Also new: guided winter fly-fishing trips and expansion of the tubing park. Sister park Boyne Highlands, in nearby Harbor Springs, has added a new spa.

Slopes and trails:45

Lifts:8

Skiable acres:86

Longest run: 2,640 feet

Vertical drop:375 feet

Average yearly snowfall:125 inches

Terrain parks:4

Snow tubing:No

Cross country:Yes

On-site lodging:Yes

Child care:Yes

Weekend lift ticket*:$50, adult$, 40 children 9-15, 8 and under free

Rentals**:$38 adult, $12-$22 children

In addition to improving its snowmaking capacity, Crystal Mountain this year is adding a new cross-country training center to help Nordic skiers improve their glide. Also new: a retail shop and improvements to the Wintergreen condos.

Slopes and trails:53

Lifts:10

Skiable acres:246

Longest run: 4,620 feet

Vertical drop:427 feet

Average yearly snowfall:130 inches

Terrain parks:4

Snow tubing:No

Cross country:Yes

On-site lodging:No

Child care:Yes

Weekend lift ticket*:$63 adult, $53 teens 13-19, $46 children 9-12,

Rentals**:$40 adult, $24 children, $40 snowboard

New this year at Nub’s Nob is Panda Land, a "just for kids" trail with animal statues for young skiers to learn to maneuver around. The resort also purchased a new groomer and is boosting its snowmaking capabilities, to make the most of what Mother Nature provides.

Slopes and trails:55

Lifts:8

Skiable acres:350

Longest run: 5,280 feet

Vertical drop:450 feet

Average yearly snowfall:200 inches

Terrain parks:6

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:Yes

On-site lodging:Yes

Child care:Yes

Weekend lift ticket*:$58 adult, $48 age 9-17, $5 age 8-under

Rentals**:$39 adult, $29 children, $39 snowboard

Shanty Creek, near Traverse City, Mich., is developing a monster-sized terrain park this year (appropriately named Monster Energy Park), which will cover three adjacent ski runs. The resort is also adding two new ski runs, expanding its tubing park, and reintroducing snowmobiling tours and rentals.

Slopes and trails:42

Lifts:3

Skiable acres:91

Longest run: 6,000 feet

Vertical drop:850 feet

Average yearly snowfall:180

Terrain park:1

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:Yes

On-site lodging:Yes

Child care:Yes

Weekend lift ticket*:$55 adult, $45 children 6-12

Rentals**:$28 adult, $25 children, $37 snowboard

The improvements keep coming to Canaan Valley, in north-central West Virginia. New this year: the 10-lane Canaan Valley Tubing Park, plus $10 million in renovations to the Bear Paw Lodge. Meanwhile, work continues on the $25 million expansion and renovation to the overnight lodge (which remains open during construction, expected to finish in August).

Slopes and trails:60

Lifts:15

Skiable acres:244

Longest run: 7,920 feet

Vertical drop:1,500 feet

Average yearly snowfall:180 inches

Terrain parks:5

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:Yes

On-site lodging:Yes

Child care:Yes

Weekend lift ticket*:$79 adult, $66 children 6-12

Rentals**:$40 adult, $35 children, $40 snowboard

New features at Snowshoe this year include the Skillbuilder Park, a terrain park for beginners; additional gladed skiing terrain; and a zip line through the village – a tease to a major zip-line course that will open next summer.

Slopes and trails:37

Lifts:4

Skiable acres:100

Longest run: 10,560 feet

Vertical drop:1,000 feet

Average yearly snowfall:200 inches

Terrain parks:2

Snow tubing:No

Cross country:Yes

On-site lodging:Yes

Child care:Yes

Weekend lift ticket*:$58 adult, $38 children 6-12

Rentals**:$31 adult, $25 children, $37 snowboard

At more than 2 miles long, Timberline’s Salamander Trail is among the longest in the region. New this year: snowmaking and several ski-and-stay deals. Best of all: Timberline is just a few miles from Davis, the tiny mountain town with a funky vibe.

Slopes and trails:32

Lifts:12

Skiable acres:132

Longest run: 7,920 feet

Vertical drop:700 feet

Average yearly snowfall:100 inches

Terrain parks:3

Snow tubing:Yes

Cross country:Yes

On-site lodging:Yes

Child care:Yes

Weekend lift ticket*:$60 adult, $40 children 6-12

Rentals**:$38 adult, $38 children, $38 snowboard

Got nonskiers and riders in your bunch? Wisp is your place, with a huge variety of winter activities, including a mountain coaster, year-round canopy course, skating, snowshoeing and more. To boost traffic during the week, the resort is offering a great Sunday-through-Thursday rate: $63 per person gets you a lift ticket and hotel room (double occupancy).

* Prices shown are for an 8-hour Saturday lift ticket. ** Snowboard rentals for children may be less.

Web presentation: Felesia McDonald; development: Peter Zicari

A winter that is predicted to be more normal, combined with new snowmaking capabilities and other capital improvements, have regional resort owners hoping for a rebound this season.

New features -- particularly those designed to appeal to younger riders and skiers -- may help boost the numbers by bringing thrill-seekers back for repeat visits all winter long.

"This is a big part of the industry that can't be ignored," said Andrew Minier, a racing coach and group sales representative at Kissing Bridge in Glenwood, N.Y., who points out that terrain park users are both skiers and snowboarders. Though the group trends young and male, there are plenty of middle-aged and female tricksters, as well, he said. "This is clearly not a fad."

Among the biggest developments:

• Peek'n Peak Resort and Kissing Bridge, both in western New York, are adding giant inflatable pillows -- 50 by 50 feet -- for skiers and boarders to jump into. These new toys -- think of a kids' bouncy house without the top -- are great for beginners learning to jump, but also fun for veteran launchers.

"It looks scary, but it's like jumping onto a big pillow," said Brian Donovan, the snow sports operations manager at Peek'n Peak, which will charge $10 per jump (or $25 for unlimited jumps in a day). Snow tubers also will have a chance to sail into Peek'n Peak's BagJump.

Both resorts are also expanding their terrain park space; Peek'n Peak is adding a fourth park; Kissing Bridge is going from one to three.

• In western Michigan, Shanty Creek is replacing its half pipe with a Big Air park, with jumps and ramps, and tripling the size of its Monster Energy Park, which will stretch across three runs.

• And in southwestern Pennsylvania, Seven Springs continues to rack up awards for its terrain park offerings, earning top honors for its parks and pipes this year from both Ski magazine and TransWorld Snowboard. This season, it adds a seventh terrain park, for the youngest riders and skiers.

There's plenty of development off the slopes as well. Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, N.Y., is investing $12 million in a new main lodge, with two restaurants, two bars, the rental shop and day-care center.

Brandywine Ski Resort in Summit County is adding a new lodge as well, with a cafeteria, bar, rental facilities and ticket windows.

HoliMont, also in Ellicottville, is adding its first high-speed chairlift. And Clear Fork, in Butler, Ohio, and Canaan Valley, in West Virginia, are expanding their tubing parks.

This flurry of activity comes with crossed fingers -- that Mother Nature will cooperate by keeping the temperatures low and the snow falling.

Last year's mild winter, among the warmest on record across the United States, wreaked havoc on resorts near and far.

Western New York's Holiday Valley, for example, was open just 97 days last year, down from 123 the year before. The resort recorded 107 inches of snow -- far below the average of 180 inches -- and the snow that did fall didn't stick around because of repeated cycles of warm temperatures and rain.

Ski buddies

Don’t want to hit the slopes alone? Consider the camaraderie that comes with joining a ski club. The Cleveland Metro Ski Council is an umbrella organization that oversees the activities of 24 local clubs covering Northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania and New York. Club activities include ski trips, races and equipment swaps, plus off-season golf tournaments, dinners and other outings. Some clubs cater to families, others to couples and singles. For more information: skicleveland.com.

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